Kazakhstan shuts down gasoline loophole for Russia
Photo: Russian cars (Getty Images)
Kazakhstan has limited border crossings for vehicles to once per day in an effort to stop the large-scale fuel outflow from the country, according to Azattyq Asia.
Under the government's decision, passenger cars and trucks from neighboring countries are now allowed to cross Kazakhstan's border no more than once every 24 hours.
"Neither trucks nor passenger vehicles will be allowed to enter or leave Kazakhstan more than once a day. This will help maintain a balanced level of fuel consumption," Deputy Energy Minister Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev said.
The restrictions apply to all border crossings without exception, including Kazakhstan's southern, eastern, and northern borders.
Why were the restrictions introduced
According to Tutkyshbayev, fuel consumption has recently surged in the West Kazakhstan, Aktobe, and Pavlodar regions.
Against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing fuel crisis, long lines have begun forming at gas stations across these border areas.
Following strikes on Russian oil refineries, several major facilities in Russia were forced to suspend operations, further worsening the country's fuel shortage.
By the end of June, restrictions on gasoline sales or supply disruptions had been reported in nearly 90% of Russia's regions. Fuel prices in the country reached record highs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged difficulties with fuel supplies but insisted that the situation was not critical.
In addition, Russia has begun diverting gasoline from Belarus that had originally been intended for Central Asian countries. However, even record-high deliveries have failed to fully eliminate the fuel shortage.
